Subtle Message To US? Decoding UAE's Warning Against Using Region As Arena For 'Settling Disputes'

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 10:14 IST

The UAE condemned Iran’s missile attacks as a flagrant violation, closed its embassy in Tehran, and warned of grave regional consequences amid escalating strikes across West Asia.

The United Arab Emirates strongly denounced what it described as blatant Iranian missile attacks targeting the country and several states in the region, while also sending a subtle message against turning regional territories into battlegrounds for wider conflicts. Follow Live Updates

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed the strikes a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty" and a breach of international law and the UN Charter.

Also Read: Iran In Survival Mode As Power Struggle Deepens After Khamenei’s Death In US‑Israel Strikes

The UAE affirmed its legitimate right to respond to the attacks and expressed full solidarity with the other states that were targeted, stressing that the security of regional nations is indivisible.

While condemning the missile strikes, the UAE reiterated its categorical rejection of using the territories of regional states as “arenas for settling scores" or “expanding conflicts". It warned of the grave consequences of continued violations that undermine regional and international security and threaten global economic stability and energy security.

The statement renewed the UAE’s call for restraint and diplomatic engagement, saying serious dialogue remains the best way to overcome current crises and safeguard regional stability.

In the past few days of the conflict, Iran’s strikes have spread widely across West Asia. Iran has reportedly targeted United States military bases and allied facilities in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, including areas hosting key US forces.

Also Read: Glittering Skyline To Smoke Plumes: Before-After Satellite Images Reveal Impact Of Iran Attacks On Dubai

Beyond military installations, the bombardment spread to civilian infrastructure in several Gulf states, with missiles and drones impacting locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including port and urban areas, as well as triggering explosions and fires amid heightened airspace closures.

At the same time, it highlighted that the UAE retains its full and legitimate right to respond to the attacks to protect its sovereignty, territory, citizens and residents in accordance with international law, and would not hesitate to defend its security under any circumstances.

Also Read: Three US Soldiers Killed In Iran Conflict, Trump Says ‘There May Be More’

UAE Shuts Embassy In Tehran

The United Arab Emirates closed its embassy in Tehran and recalled its ambassador, following Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes in the Gulf that left four people dead and dozens injured.

The decision represents the strongest condemnation by a Gulf state since Tehran began launching strikes across the region in response to the large-scale US and Israeli air campaign that killed Iran’s supreme leader and other senior officials.

Also Read: West Asia Conflict Cripples Air Travel: 350 Indian Flights Scrapped Yesterday, More Cancellations Likely

“These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement.

The UAE fully reopened its embassy in Tehran in 2022 and appointed a new ambassador amid improving relations between the Emirates and Iran. Saudi Arabia later restored ties as well.

Iran’s continued and unprecedented bombardment of Gulf states has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, unsettling an area long regarded as a relative zone of stability within the volatile Middle East.

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